For Day 4 of Femslash February 2022: Fairies
The phasing of the moon is just in a few short hours and Snow is left rushing around to make sure everyone knows the plan. They need to hunt if they want to make it through the colder months. There's never been a time that she can remember when they weren't prepared, but Anita's stern lectures are forever ingrained in her memory.
You slack off once and everyone pays the price.
Snow retreats from her cottage, adjusting her long braid in the process. Traditionally, female wolves do not cut their hair while in human form. It's something Snow has loathed for years. Ruby has nice, silky waves while Snow is stuck with thick curls that knot easily. As a child, she'd squirm beneath her mother's grasp on grooming days. What she wouldn't give for a short bob or even hair like she sees on some men in town. No one would dare question Ruby's beta, not even Ruby herself. And yet, it's a connection to her mother. Eva's hair remained just as tangled until her dying day.
Just as she's about to head for Ellis' cottage to go over his duties, a sprinkle of blue dust sparkles before her. Snow jumps back, reaching for the arrow on her back. When the dust dissipates, a familiar fairy flies before her. Snow reluctantly lets go of her bow, but keeps a mindful eye. The fairies and wolves should be allied. Both supernatural beings who give back to the space around them. Yet, most fairies Snow has come across are sanctimonious. They believe wolves cause too much destruction. While vampires are a greater threat, they're still less likely to help the rival species. This fairy dons a blue dress with pink frills. A faux smile spreads across her high cheek bones. She gives Snow a judgmental onceover.
"You've grown so much over the years," she declares.
"Do I know you?"
"I suppose not, but I knew your mother."
Snow swallows. "My mother?"
"Yes." The fairy tsks. "It's such a shame. She could've been queen and she destroyed it all for what?"
Snow resists an eyeroll. Her mother didn't want to marry the king. She wanted to explore her roots as a wolf. It's why she found a mate in the first place. Snow cannot imagine a life detained in a castle. She's been able to run free her whole life.
"If you came to insult my mother, I'm going to say good day."
Another sprinkle of blue dust nearly blinds Snow. The fairy is now just a bit taller than her, standing on the ground. Her dress is even more ridiculous up close, with stringy ringlets dangling by her face.
"I'm Reul Ghorm, but most call me Blue."
"I don't mean to be rude, Blue, but as I'm sure you know, the moon phases tonight. I have to prepare my pack."
"But it isn't your pack, is it? Ruby's the alpha."
Snow's fingers fidget. This gnat is not worth the argument. "Good day, Blue." She pushes past her, heading for the other cottage.
"You're in danger."
Snow pauses, refusing to turn back to face the fairy.
"Excuse me?"
"The vampire you keep company…"
Snow whips around, holding a finger to her lips as her eyes dart around. "I don't keep her company. She finds me, I send her away. No need to get my pack in a tizzy."
Blue's patronizing smile only grows. "We all know that you don't really send her away."
"What do you know of this?"
"I was gifted with the ability to see the future. It's not a blessing, nor is it much of a curse. But I can tell you now, you're in danger. That monster will bring nothing but harm to your life."
"She's…"
"Harmless?" Snow's jaw drops. "I know you think that. But she has plans. A ticking time bomb, that could easily wipe out all of existence. Something powerful, perhaps more than her or even myself."
Snow shakes her head vehemently. "That's impossible. She's had many chances. If she was going to hurt me, don't you think she would've by now?"
"I'm telling you, Snow White, if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your distance."
The sparkles reappear and take the fairy with them. Snow lowers herself onto the ground, observing the woods around her. Regina will often meet her. They stand way too close, discussing next to nothing. Regina may be a threat to her, but isn't Snow more of one? A bite from a werewolf is one of the few things that can actually kill a vampire. Regina could try to come for her, but Snow would probably get to her first.
Could Blue be right, though? Is this all the long game?
In the end, Snow is a wolf. She has a heartbeat. While her body heals, hunters have the tools to kill her. She risks death every time she leaves her home. Regina will never have that. Their communities will never bend to accept any…what? Love? Does Snow hold that for someone she barely knows? A natural enemy?
Ruby's voice calls out overhead, snapping her from her thoughts. "Snow! We don't have time to just sit around. Get your ass up!"
"Coming!" Snow calls back.
She doesn't have time to give the fairy's warning any headspace. Her pack comes first. Before love, before anything else.
Boisterous howls overtake the forest. Everyone is a rush of fur in various shades of gray, orange and reds. Snow's body is covered in warmth, forever providing shelter from harsh winter night. She licks her lips, getting a feel of her sharp teeth in the process.
She smells the doe before her eyes catch sight of it. Smaller, meat won't provide for too long but the skin can lend to vests or shoes which is a part of hunting most forget. Food is the main goal, but they need to have wares to use as long as trade with the local village. Each step Snow makes is purposeful, quiet. Her eyes never leave her prey as they drink from the river. She's soon close enough to hear the young one's heartbeat, thumping in time with her own. Snow's jaw barely opens when the doe spooks and takes off into the night.
Snow pouts. She hasn't scared off prey in years, not since she was a young pup learning from her mother. No, she did everything right. Quiet, focused. How could…
She feels the pressure of it before the actual pain or blood. Snow kicks her leg a few times, attempting to get a better look. That does it. She howls as white heat spreads across her body. Her body falls against the ground, as she shuts her eyes for a moment. Snow manages another howl.
Where is everyone?
When she manages to get a peak, she sees the familiar boots of a hunter. Using every bit of strength she has, Snow attempts to push herself up and charge. The most she gets is a few feet before flopping back on the ground.
"I need another arrow!" A gruff voice calls out.
A darker, yet feminine voice responds. In the midst of her pain, Snow nearly gags at the scent of decomposition. "I don't think you do."
It's the hunter's turn to howl. His voice quivers, pleading with the woman to stop, have mercy.
"You think harming the supernatural is fun? Let's see how you like it."
Screams ring through Snow's ears. She can barely see, the blood flowing freely from her leg. It's a good sign. As long as she's bleeding, she's alive.
The horrid yet comforting scent comes closer. The feminine voice grows softer.
"I've got you," she promises her.
Snow whimpers as she lifted into cold, strong arms. Black dots swarm across her eyes as she strains to look up at the person above.
Regina
She cannot speak in wolf form, so she settles for a whine instead. Lips the same temperature as ice brush against her warm skin.
"We can't stay here, they'll kill me," Regina mumbles. "I need to keep you safe."
Snow doesn't even argue as she takes off into the night. Instead, she shuts her eyes and lets sleep take over.